London’s Must-See Neighborhoods

Published/Revised June 13, 2014 By Terri Fogarty This post may contain promotional and affiliate links. EuropeUpClose may receive commissions for purchases made through links in this post. Please read our disclosure for more info.

London is comprised of many neighborhoods, each with their own personality and charm. Featured here are the neighborhoods that are of most interest to tourists.

The West End

The West End is the heart of London’s cultural, historic and gastronomic life. Theaters such as the famous Palladium, Strand and Haymarket are flanked by many more of equal or lesser acclaim. When in London, make it a point to see one of the myriad of plays offered on any given day.

Piccadilly Circus, the Times Square of London, is busy day and night. Fortnum & Mason, 300 years old in 2007, is an elegant food emporium worth a visit. Elegant Jermyn Street and Regent Street are great for window shopping and elegant dining.

The heart of aristocratic London, the Mayfair district is where you will find refined hotels and great restaurants. First-class shopping can be found along Bond Street and Oxford street. Soho, a drinking and dining area where Londoners from all over congregate, is a colorful mix of trendy and tacky.

Covent Garden Piazza, the 18th century iron and glass former fruit and vegetable market, has evolved to house fashion boutiques and other up-scale stores. You may want to take in a performance at The Royal Opera House.

Take a riverside walk to Lambeth Palace, the official residence of the Archbishop of Canterbury. And don’t miss the London Eye (also known as the Millennium Wheel) near Westminster Bridge. The gigantic Ferris wheel offers dramatic views of London from 450 feet above the Thames.

Notting Hill, Bayswater,and Marlybone

Notting Hill offers designer boutiques, retro shops, delicatessens, and the colorful Portobello Road Market. The world famous Notting Hill Carnival held at the end of August brings a Caribbean flavor to the streets.

Bohemian cafe life, bars and restaurants abound satisfying the most discriminating palate. Near Baker Street is Madame Tussaud‘s and Regent’s Park. Marylebone High Street has become a mecca for the young and hip.

This part of town is close to the action, but a bit more quiet. It is therefore a great place to to stay while in London. Hotels are plentiful and generally less expensive than those in the up-scale Mayfair area.

This post may contain affiliate links. EuropeUpClose may receive commissions for purchases made through links in this post.

About Terri Fogarty

Since her first trip to Europe more than 25 years ago, Terri have fallen in love with all that is Europe; its exquisite beauty, its varied cultures, its intriguing history, and, of course, its welcoming people. As a seasoned traveler, she hopes to share the wealth of their knowledge and experience with you, the Independent Europe Traveler.